Guynn takes over CHS cross country program

Christiansburg High School has a new cross-country coach and he is very familiar with the program. Shane Guynn, who currently serves as an assistant principal at the school, was officially announced Monday after a three-month search.

Guynn has also served as the school’s athletic director after spending several years as the Blue Demon cross-country coach.

“Ever since I stepped away from the program when I became athletic director at Christiansburg, I have had the itch to return,” he said. “I had volunteered my time since the 2012-13 school year to help coach the middle school outdoor track team, work with the high school indoor and outdoor track teams and offer my help with the cross-country programs when needed. I truly enjoyed watching the student athletes grow in the sport and was hoping an opportunity would eventually present itself to where I could re-connect with the runners and program in the future,” he said.

Fortunately for him the door was opened this year, and he was given the opportunity to step into the role of Coach again.

“Being able to mentor, teach, and connect with students in our school as a coach and administrator has been a tremendous experience and it truly invigorates me to know I am helping to guide, build, and encourage the young men and women who are a part of our team,” Guynn said.

He had coached the boys and girls’ cross-country teams at Christiansburg for a dozen years from 2000 to 2012, along with serving as an assistant coach and eventually head coach of the indoor outdoor track programs from 2003 – 2013.

As a student, Guynn was a member of the CHS indoor/outdoor track and field team and the cross-country team for three years. Following high school, he continued his running career at Radford University and did so as a freshman during the 1998-1999 school year.

Guynn hopes to continue the rich tradition of the Christiansburg High School cross-country program. “I am grateful and fortunate to have the opportunity to work with our students in this capacity, along with Coach Porter (track coach), who has helped to guide the program through the past four seasons with the help of former coach, Brett Sherfy,” he said.

“The long-term goal would also be to help the runners on the team to understand their true capabilities, along with working to teach them valuable life lessons through the sport. We have an opportunity as coaches to be instrumental influences in the lives of these young men and women and I would hope I can help do that in a very positive, encouraging, and energetic manner,” Guynn concluded.